ASH GROVE, MO [MW Diocese Communica- tions] — On the weekend of March 26-27, 2016, Archpriest Moses Berry and the faithful of the Theotokos Unexpected Joy Church here welcomed Archimandrite Sergius, Abbot of Saint Tikhon’s Monastery, South Canaan, PA, who conducted a retreat for faithful throughout the region.

Father Sergius brought with him the Myrrh Streaming Icon of Saint Anna and the Theotokos, which the faithful were able to venerate throughout the weekend.

On Sunday morning, Father Moses concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Father Sergius, who delivered an inspiring sermon.

The Icon of Saint Anna, which had been enshrined at the Russian Orthodox Church of Our Lady, Joy of All Who Sorrow Church, Philadelphia, PA, began to stream myrrh on May 9, 2004. The recently departed Archimandrite Athanasy [Mastalsky], the parish’s Rector, noticed visible liquid streams and droplets. Accumulations of the liquid were observed on the cuff of Saint Anne’s left hand and on her left shoulder veil. Droplets also were found elsewhere on the icon. This fragrant, slightly oily liquid, is commonly referred to as “myrrh.”

Commissioned by Father Athanasy at the Russian Orthodox Convent on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, the icon was completed in 1998 and blessed at the Holy Sepulcher in the city’s Church of the Resurrection. According to Saint Tikhon’s Monastery web site, “assistance and healings are still wrought by the miraculous icon and she continues to work wonders for those who approach with faith.”